predation
noun
pre·da·tion
pri-ˈdā-shən
1
: the killing by one living organism of another for food
These small fish are most vulnerable to predation just after sunset, when larger fish, such as barracuda and jacks, chase them into the shallow water near shore to feed on them.—Anne Brooke
… elephant seals historically avoided the mainland to protect the newborns from predation by grizzly bears.—Carolyn Longstreth
In other words, just as vascular plants make tannins, phenols, sterols and alkaloids to defend against predation, it is likely that cyanobacteria synthesize poisons to ward off attack by fellow planktonic species.—Wayne Carmichael
: a mode of life in which food is primarily obtained by the killing and consuming of animals
Predation is important to an understanding of ancient ecology because the food chain helps determine the structure of biological communities.—Derek Briggs and Harry Whittington
Weeks or months later, depending on ambient temperatures, a beetle returns to the water to resume a life of predation.—Natural History
2
: the act of injuring, exploiting, or plundering others for personal gain
A burglary occurs every 10 seconds, according to the Federal Bureau of Investigation. Such predation keeps Americans uneasy …—Consumer Reports
To the traditionalists, predation is any price or product strategy intended to impose costs on a competitor.—Insight
Cite this Entry
“Predation.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/predation. Accessed 3 Aug. 2026.
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